Life can quite easily become chaotic, even at the beginning of the week. A jumbled mess of appointments, due dates, work schedules, and bill payments often plague our daily lives and can easily shift our focus away from what should really matter. Sometimes a reset button for the day (or year) seems so tempting.
Actually, that reset button may be closer than you think. A number of studies have been conducted over the years that demonstrate how nature can essentially “reset” our minds and bodies by changing stimulation and reducing stress. Interacting with nature is best but even just seeing an image of nature can induce a relaxing state. If you’re feeling a need to slow down and unwind from a crazy day, even for a few short minutes, here are 15 photos of Arizona nature that will help relax you. Enjoy!
- A walk on a sunny day with trees and flowers is usually a good place to start.
Ozan Hatipoglu/Flickr
- You could also imagine watching the foliage change colors with the season.
ConstiAB/Flickr
- Or, perhaps watching the sun set in the distance along a river.
ed ouimette/Flickr
- What about a night under the stars?
Tyler Sichelski/Flickr
- Just the thought of sitting here and having all my senses engaged by nature is relaxing.
Tyler Sichelski/Flickr
- This image seems cool and refreshing.
Kevin Schraer/Flickr
- This shot’s location is clearly no secret but the sights are relaxing anyway.
Mike Freyder/Flickr
- Whoever said the desert couldn’t be gorgeous and relaxing?
RightBrainPhotography/Flickr
- Imagine how quiet it must be watching the butterfly.
U.S. Forest Service, Coconino National Forest/Flickr
- If grasslands are more your style, imagine hearing nothing but the wind in this location.
Ozan Hatipoglu/Flickr
- Here is another peaceful lake scene.
U.S. Forest Service, Coconino National Forest/Flickr
- So beautiful and peaceful.
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
- These trees were a frequent sight in my childhood, so seeing them always brings a smile to my face.
Justine/Flickr
- Another relaxing desert scene.
Joaquin Uy/Flickr
- Finally, here’s one of my favorites that I keep as a wallpaper on my phone just for stressful days.
Monica Spencer/Instagram
When you need to take a breather from life, where do you like to escape to? Tell us in the comments below!
Ozan Hatipoglu/Flickr
ConstiAB/Flickr
ed ouimette/Flickr
Tyler Sichelski/Flickr
Kevin Schraer/Flickr
Mike Freyder/Flickr
RightBrainPhotography/Flickr
U.S. Forest Service, Coconino National Forest/Flickr
Patrick Nouhailler/Flickr
Justine/Flickr
Joaquin Uy/Flickr
Monica Spencer/Instagram
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
